Braun KF590 Impressions Digital 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Review

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(More customer reviews)Update: November 23, 2008:
I regret to report that this coffee maker stopped working today, less than 3 years after I received it. The power light goes on, but the heating element doesn't heat, and the water doesn't flow from the tank. The warranty is only one year, so no recourse there.While I was very happy with the Braun while it worked, I would expect a fairly simple mechanism to last longer.

I'm not saying everyone's Braun will suddenly stop working at about three years, and I don't know how well other coffee makers fare. However, I do know that most Cuisinarts have a THREE-YEAR warranty at no extra cost. With that timeframe, I could have replaced this for free (or, no more than the the price of shipping.) SInce I gave pretty much a rave review of this product, I wanted all potential buyers to know of my experience with its durability.It may still be worth purchasing, but I can no longer recommmend it without reservation.ORIGINAL REVIEW:
This Braun coffeemaker brews coffee so consistently hot and very flavorful that, if Aaron Copeland had worked for an advertising agency (shudder), his moving composition, "Fanfare for the Common Man," could have promoted it.Fortunately, he didn't.

OK, that intro was a stretch. So, without further delay, let me sing the praises of this Christmas gift:

A.Temperature."It's not hot enough!" is perhaps the most common complaint about coffeemakers.We can divide this into two categories: First, the coffee is not hot enough when made, and second, the coffee does not stay hot after it is made.
1.The Braun KF 590 (also known as the KF590E) brews very hot coffee, when initially poured you couldn't take it any hotter unless you had damaged nerve endings in your mouth.As with any hot beverage, the coffee will stay warmer depending on the coffee cup's insulation qualities (thick walls, relatively narrow, perhaps pre-heated with hot water)
2.Temperature Duration.The carafe of my old Krups (Crystal Arome Time, #400 series) seemed to keep things warm for about 20 minutes; this was completely unsatisfactory and the main reason for wanting a new one.My new Braun (thanks Mom and Dad!) kicks Krups' butt in this area, keeping it hot for hours without a burnt flavor.The default setting (until automatic shut-off) is 2 hours of heat, but you can manually adjust it from 20 minutes to 3 hours.

B.Convenience of Operation:The Braun is relatively easy to use, but a limited number of buttons (4) and indicator lights (2) operate the clock, the automatic shut-off described above, and the automatic start-up (setting the time that you want the coffeemaker to begin brewing).It does take a bit of time to learn these programming features; I consulted the brief instructions for a few days before I got the hang of it.Once learned, it not easy to forget.I don't think this should bea factor in deciding whether to purchase this. The Braum brews coffee faster than in the old Krups, and like many machines, this one stops the coffee flow when the impatient (or the addicted) simply must pour a little java before all the water has run through.Noise level is about average, you can hear it brewing, but it's doesn't sputter loudly when done.Another contrast to the Krups is the nicely designed carafe handle and the ease of pouring coffee without spilling it.

C.Features:THE WATER FILTER-It's almost unbelievable that the instructions don't include the replacement model number for the "Braun Brita" water filter.They're not hesitant to tell you that it "improves coffee flavor by significantly reducing chlorine and also prevents calcification ... Provided that the cartridge is replaced regularly every two months, it not only brews better tasting coffee but can also extend the life of your coffeemaker by preventing [this gets redundant] calcification buildup.Braun water filer cartridges are available at your local retailer or Braun service centers."

WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU...Use the following to replace the "Braun Brita" water filter: The KWF2. (web citation: http://www.theessentials.com/jump.jsp?itemID=994&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C8%2C65%2C336&iProductID=994 ). As of this date, this costs $9.99 for a two-pack.At one filter every two months (see below), annual replacement (assuming no shipping) will cost you about $60, or about 75% of the current Amazon.com sale price.Braun and Brita executives must be in their cups about this sweet little arrangement they've brewed.

As stated immediately above, Braun's manual recommends that you buy a new water filter every two months, but the Braun-linked website above tells you to replace it every 70 brews. Depending on your consumption, that could easily take three or four months, not two. Also, running vinegar through the machine twice should dissolve most or all of the calcification, and one can always just buy bottled water.

Big Brother Braun reminds you that it's time to change the water filter with a small but cheesy-looking 12-month "time for a new filter" dial on top.This is a slightly annoying and unattractive feature onan otherwise stylish machine.There's a permanent (but removable) "gold cone" filter, the type of filter that most aficionados prefer for its superior brewing properties.It appears you can buy a replacement filter at Amazon.com, although other than an accidental tear or accumulated stains (which can be removed with baking soda and scrubbing), the filter should last for years. However, it doesn't look gold and it's not clear to me whether there really is a gold coating over the fine steel mesh. One can manually swing out the filter holder, or lightly push a small silver button atop the machine.Very nicely done.

D.Maintenance:Very easy: Wipe off the outside, run vinegar or water through it, and take out the gold cone filter and run water over it. Because part of the holder for the gold cone filter is metallic, it is supposedly not dishwasher safe, the manual recommends wiping it down with a damp cloth with a small amount of dishwashing soap if desired.I didn't see any metal parts except the metallic exterior of the holder; personally, I'm gonna dunk the thing. Since the manual is so incomplete, you may want to copy the "authorized" Braun Service Center number:1-800/272-8611.

E. Where to Buy Accesories:
1.The KWF2 Water Filter:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000062UH2/ref=ord_cart_shr/103-7519344-0327817?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance&n=284507
2. Gold-Tone Filter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007W04A2/qid=1137279064/sr=1-12/ref=sr_1_12/103-7519344-0327817?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=284507

F.The Bottom Line:Easily one of the best coffeemaker out there, the Braun KF590 makes delicious hot coffee that stays hot, and it sells at a very reasonable price.I considered the Braun 600 "Impressions" machine because of its thermos-like carafe, but that feature is a double-edged sword, you can't see how much coffee is left.Aside from the small but ridiculous water changer dial on top, the chrome and black Braun 590 looks good and is moderately sized for its capacity.

Look at the reviews of the other coffeemakers and you may agree that this is the best one for the money.I will be updating this review in a few months to let people know about the Braun's durability.

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Product Description:
This stylish coffeemaker calls for ultimate coffee enjoyment thanks to its brewing technology delivering hot, fully extracted and aromatic coffee. The exclusive Brita® water filter further improves the flavor by reducing chlorine, but also prevents calcification.

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Frigidaire 25-PINT Dehumidifier Review

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(More customer reviews)I love this dehumidifier! Both my wife and I moved to a new apartment in Pacifica, CA literally across the street from the beach. We normally leave our windows open so it vents a bit of fresh air but the problem is that humidity enters as well with the sea breeze. It got really damp in our apartment and so bad that I felt it every time I got in the blankets. I shopped around and found this dehumidifier online and thought it would be very helpful. When it came, no joke, it was like christmas. I tore it open with a twinkle in my eye and laughed with joy when I pulled it out. I read the instruction manual to make sure I didn't ruin anything and it was a simple 3-6 step process. I set it up in no time and plugged it in to the wall to see what this bad boy can do. Within 12 hours, this 25 Pint dehumidifier was full. It kept getting full for the next 4 days and now it is nice and dry in our 1 bedroom apartment. I really love it!

I gave it a five star because of its awesomeness and the vendors quickness in shipping. The product is amazing.

Be aware that this dehumidifier is no whisper technology machine. It is as loud as a portable fan but my wife loves it since she needs noise to help her fall asleep (drowns out our neighbors loud movie watching at 11 PM). Thanks Frigidaire, your the best!

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Product Description:
Treat your home environment with this 25-pint Frigidaire dehumidifier, which helps to remove just enough water from your home's air to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. This Energy Star-compliant unit can dehumidify up to 25 pints of water a day in a medium-sized area, and it's capable of continuous operation when unit is located near a suitable drain. The permanent, washable filter removes both moisture and airborne particulates, and it tilts out for easy removal for washing. Other features include easy-to-operate electronic controls, 2-speed fan, 17-pint bucket, a level indicator that signals and automatically shuts off when the container is full, and an auto-restart function. Easily portable with included caster wheels, the unit measures 15.4 by 23.6 by 13.4 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 41 pounds. It's backed by a 1-year warranty.

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Germ Guardian H-3010 Ultra-Sonic Humidifier Review

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(More customer reviews)Humidifier

As I write this there have been numerous reviews of this product.Some of them very glowing and some of them quite negative. I will try to avoid either extreme and focus on some things I haven't seen reviewed yet.

*SIZE:When I opened the box I was truly surprised. In the photos this looks to be the size of a table radio.Wrong! It is easily twice the size and not easily placed on most night stands.

*SOUNDS:As claimed, the unit is virtually quiet in operation.

*VISUAL: Nice very heavy-grade plastic construction, nice packaging. Most drug-store humidifiers are very thin all plastic, this unit feels well built and solid.Cool retro look to it.

*CONTROLS:Everything you would want or need, EXCEPT for one.Read on for details.

*USER MANUAL:Pretty basic. Misses a lot of important details, like what is that center column and do you remove it to fill the tank, because it seems to want to be removable for some reason. And the chrome thing at the top ... is it supposed to rotate to direct the mist in different directions?Wouldn't it be nice if the manufacturer told us it was okay to do that?

*MISTING:After all, that's what you buy a unit like this for.Well, it's true that some very cheap units can put out a stronger mist, but remember this is an ultrasonic unit, which has numerous benefits (like no wicking filter). The mist can be adjusted from "just barely there" to a heavy mist that honestly scared me every time I entered the room that I was seeing smoke from a fire.

*EFFICIENCY:I filled the tank and had it on the entire first night.In the morning it looked like the tank was empty and I thought that's just about what I would expect. However, looking at the tank again I realized that the water level had only gone down slightly.It turns out the tank is so large that I have only had to fill it a couple of times a week. I consider that excellent.

*GOOD THINGS:I have had several humidifiers and was disgusted by the mold and mildew that grew on the wicking filter. This is healthy?Ultrasonic humidifiers work a different way and tend to be cleaner.This unit takes that one step beyond and I have confidence I am breathing air that is as clean as possible out of a humidifier, especially if I clean it out occasionally.

*BAD THINGS:The evil BEEP sound every time you push a button!If you have a sleeping partner they will NOT sleep for long if you need to make any adjustments.That goes for people trying to sleep anywhere in your house. The beep volume should be 2% of what it is.Since the manufacturer was thoughtful enough to include a mode that turns the disco lights off if you prefer while sleeping, they should have included a switch to turn off the beep. This is not unique to this product, several Chinese-made consumer electronics products ranging from toasters to food steamers to clothes irons have a beeper that all seem to made by one diabolical company who also makes industrial smoke alarm beepers.The volume and tone are unnecessarily loud.This humidifier doesn't even need to beep at you in the privacy of your bedroom, the status lights are enough.

*EASE OF OPERATION:Why does EVERY humidifier have to have a tank that you remove, turn upside down, and try to fill under a faucet?What is wrong with a fixed tank and a cap like the gas cap on your car that you twist off and use a pitcher to fill? There would be far less chance of leakage, and it would be much easier to fill. Kudos to the manufacturer on this one in that the tank is made of heavy-duty plastic with a strong, secure carrying handle.But once you get it to the sink, that carrying handle makes it impossible to hold or lay flat, so you somehow have to try to balance the entire tank while filling it, without dropping it as it gets increasingly heavier. Then there is that flimsy spring valve that every humidifier seems to have.There just has to be a better way.The good news is that mine hasn't dripped more than a few tiny drops and is totally drip-free in operation.

*DOES IT WORK?After a few nights running it at a medium speed with the bedroom door closed, I find I wake up with less of a dry throat and breathing easier.I feel more rested as well. I live in one of the driest places in the country and I think this is a very effective humidifier.I am considering buying another for the office where I spend much of my day.

SUMMARY:WAY larger than it looks. Excellent cold and warm misting.Extensive controls.Premium construction.Large water tank.Cool, retro styling, doesn't look like a medical device. Virtually silent operation.Sketchy instruction manual. Insanely loud function beeps when buttons are pushed. Could be easier to fill.

RATING:Having researched humidifiers extensively I rate this as a solid 4. What kept it from a 5 is primarily price ... this is at the stratosphere of the market and, while you get more value that the cheap drugstore units, no humidifier should cost over a hundred. I also feel it is necessary to deduct a point to give the message to the manufacturer that the loud confirmation beeps are not necessary and they are really annoying.

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Product Description:
The Germ Guardian Humidifier uses nano-silver technology to prevent microbial growth within the unit, stopping mold growth for a healthier breathing enviroment. The ultrasonic technology with option for warm or cold humidification set this humidifier above the rest. Warm humidification maintains an 80 degree temperature to kill low-temperature bacteria. This unit offers you a low water indicator that lets you know when it's time to refill the container, a variable spray function allows you to adjust the volume of spray output. The quiet operation makes this a great humidifier for any room.

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